Jun. 29, 2013

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Written by

Detroit Free Press Restaurant Critic

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Dan Young, owner of Tandem Ciders in Suttons Bay, poses in the tasting room, where visitors can become better acquainted with his company's artisanal hard ciders. A traditional drink in northern Europe, hard cider is now gaining fans in the U.S. / Sylvia Rector/Detroit Free Press

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Traverse City visitors enjoy following the wine trails on the Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas, but for culinary tourists, it’s just as much fun to visit quaint small-town cafes, watch artisan cheese-makers at work, or find perfect food gifts for friends. Here is just a sample of places to stop and visit when you’re on the Leelanau:

Tandem Ciders: Makes several kinds of hard (low-alcohol) cider using local apples. Sales and tasting room in a white, barn-shaped building in a picturesque spot just off M-22. (2055 N. Setterbo Road; 231-271-0050; www.tandemciders.com)

Northport

Fischer’s Happy Hour Tavern: A longtime favorite spot of locals for food and cocktails in an atmospheric, century-old roadhouse 5 miles south of downtown Northport. Operated for three generations by the Fischer family. May have a wait in summer. Great Lakes fish sandwiches, chicken dinners, burgers, etc. (7100 N. Manitou Trail; 231-386-9923)

Leland

Fishtown: Historic fishing shanties on the Leland River now house specialty food and other shops. Family-owned Carlson’s Fisheries still operates at the docks; try smoked fish, pate, etc. Favorite nearby restaurants on Main (M-22) and River streets include the Bluebird, Early Bird, Cove and Rick’s Café, with dining by the water. (M-22 and River Street, Leland; City of Leland website, www.lelandmi.com)